Top brass in the Far East, however, are still fuming. Wang Tao is the senior executive within the powerful Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association, who issue official invites that enable visas to be fast-tracked for players.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s concluding sessions of the Final in which Ronnie O’Sullivan led Ali Carter 10-7 overnight, Tao made his feelings clear.

He said: “This was the second time Mark Allen has said bad things about China, the Chinese or Chinese players.

“We had the comments during the Haikou World Open in Hainan, for which he partially apologised.

“And then there were the latest comments about Chinese players made at the world championships this year.

“Because he made a full apology for these latest comments in a statement we are taking no action at this time, and also with the WPBSA disciplinary process under way.

“But our attitude towards Mark Allen is clear. If he continues or again makes too negative or unfair comments about China or Chinese people and players we will stop him from playing events in China.

“I have spoken to both World Snooker and the WPBA on this matter.”

Failure to gain a visa could be disastrous for Allen with so many tournaments held in China.

It is rare for the Chinese to be so strident in their criticism but WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson revealed last night that they had been in touch to voice their fury.

Ferguson said: “I can confirm that the CBSA have made clear their displeasure over Mark Allen’s remarks.

“Sometimes criticism of this type does not reach the wider audience over there.

“But this time that is not the case, it is very public knowledge. I was in Shanghai last week, and the subject was raised, which is not what you would like.

“We do have a very good relationship with the CBSA, and it is time now to let the disciplinary process take its course.”